Logic Branches Out With New Album: Everybody — The Social Rap Project

Logic — gone for a minute but he’s back now — with his new album Everybody.

There is a lot of buzz over this new album, and for good reason. The single “Black Spiderman” has reached number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100. Everybody is Logic’s second concept project to date, the other being The Incredible True Story released in 2015.

Everybody features over an hour of tracks and addresses pertinent themes such as religion, discrimination, race, and American politics. The album is compelling, with cool beats and 12 incredible listed guest artists, among them Juicy J, Alessia Cara, Lucy Rose and Khalid. The talented lineup had great potential. However, some of the Def Jam artist’s politically driven messages have garnered mixed reviews from his loyal fan base.

His first track, “Hallelujah,” serves as an introduction to the project. The production on this first track is strong, and it underlines the main themes of the album. He goes on to explain his experience as a bi-racial artist in America and his inability to be accepted by either the white or black community. He raps that we are all made in the “image of God.” Likewise, he opens up an inclusive dialogue, rapping:

“This is from the soul and for the soul/This is for all my brothers and sisters, for all my children/This is for every race/This is for every color, every creed/Music does not discriminate, music is made to assimilate.”

The production is also notably strong on the second track, “Everybody,” with a gospel-type feel, and the tracks “Anziety” and “AfricAryaN” are outstanding. Lucy Rose, with her understated soft voice, is the perfect addition to “Anziety,” a memorable track written from the point of view of anxiety itself. “AfricAryaN” includes a surprise verse from (SPOILER ALERT) J. Cole. Yeah, I know. J. Cole is on the album? His verse is worth making it through the 12-minute track.

Logic’s track “1-800-273-8255” is another standout- the title referring to the national suicide hotline. Although Alessia Cara sounds great on this track, I’m not impressed with Logic’s repetitive performance. Again, Logic’s “America” is not one of my favorite tracks. It is however thorough in its criticism of popular figures, more explicitly Kanye West, for his failure to speak out against Trump and his administration.

Many longtime Logic fans believe that his ability to freestyle made him a standout artist early on in his career. This new politicized direction could take some getting used to.

Although he has many fans that rave over the album, many are skeptical of some of his main messages.

When Logic raps about violence in both black and white communities, many listeners believe he simplifies a complex issue, and in reality African Americans are far more victimized by police brutality, violence, and discrimination. Some describe the album as too cheesy or too repetitive. Moreover, did Logic over explain himself in this album? Many tracks are heavy on voiceovers rather than rap, and he hashes out so many concepts over and over again, for over an hour. Is his failure to leave room for imagination and interpretation a hindrance to his project?

The featured artists on this album make it noteworthy. Logic’s ambition with this project demonstrates his desire to express himself as an artist. Although some fans prefer to keep their music and politics separate, I admire Logic’s work and his headspace, even if some tracks missed the mark this time. Art imitates life in Logic’s Everybody, and (SPOILER ALERT) only time will tell what he has in store on his next and final album, as divulged in “AfricAryaN.”